How to generate SAP solution manager key for the installation or upgrade process

This article answers the following queries:

Ø  How to generate SAP solution manager key for the installation or upgrade process?

Ø  What is the process to generate solution manager key for a new installation?

Ø  How to generate solution manager key from SMSY transaction?

Ø  What is the tcode used to generate solution manager key in SAP?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In a real time scenario, a basis administrator is required to install an SAP system or upgrade an SAP system.  As of my SAP ERP 2004 ( SAP ECC 5.0), an SAP solution manager key is required for installing and upgrading SAP software.

Therefore generating SAP solution manager key is one of the most important pre-steps of an SAP installation or upgrade.

SMSY is the transaction code used to generate a solution manager key for installing a new SAP system or upgrading an SAP system.

Login to ABAP stack of solution manager system and choose SMSY transaction. It results in below screen.

In the above screen, right click on “Product systems” tab and choose “Create New product System”. A screen similar to below will appear

In the above screen, please provide SID of the system and select Product type from drop down list . Depending on the SAP system being installed, please select the product type like SAP ECC or SAP CRM or SAP PI etc. Also select the product version and installation number of the product from the drop down list.

Once this is done, please click on save button. This creates a new product system as shown below.

In the above example, I have created a product system KT3, whose product version is SAP ECC 6.0.

In the above screen, please tick on the relevant products and click on save. After this, again choose SMSY transaction and navigate  to System Landscape -> Select object as shown below:

Once select object is clicked, a screen similar to below one will appear.

In the above screen, please click on key icon ( highlighted in the above screen).This results in the below screen

Please provide system number (i.e instance number) and message server hostname in the above screen and click on “Generate Key” pushbutton to generate the Installation/Upgrade key as shown in the above screen.

This particular key should be noted and specified in the installation or upgrade tool.

Read More

QR Code Functionality Now Available in ActiveX!

by Nate Schubert

For years, the process of enabling QR Code generation capability in ActiveX has been extremely complicated, and thus unavailable in IDAutomation ActiveX products. This has caused individuals to seek alternatives to barcode generation in environments where ActiveX would be preferred. The process for integrating alternative solutions can also be very complicated, however, which can leave customers wanting for a more flexible and easy-to-use solution.

After much hard work by our development staff, IDAutomation is pleased to announce that all ActiveX Components have been updated to include functionality for QR Code barcode generation. This high-demand update was released earlier this morning, and allows QR Code functionality in the following IDAutomation products:

• Linear + 2D Barcode ActiveX Control
• QR Code Font and Encoder Packages
• Universal 2D Barcode Font and Encoder Packages

Customers who have already purchased these products may purchase the one year Priority Support & Upgrade Subscription to receive download access to the latest version of this product, while new customers are encouraged to place their orders online. This is a long-anticipated upgrade to our ActiveX products that should provide increased flexibility and productivity for anyone who has a need to generate 2D QR Codes in an ActiveX environment. 

Read More

Point of Sale News Features One Step Article on Mobile POS

We are honored to have one of our recent articles features in retail technology hub Point of Sale News.

The concept of retailers transitioning to mobile is a hot topic but will take some time to see implemented broadly. Check out the article for more information.

Read here: Mobile Up - Retail Cowboy

Read More

sap netweaver interview questions - set 7

This article covers some of the most important basis/net weaver theoretical interview questions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1)    What is SAP Business Suite?

Answer: The SAP Business Suite is a comprehensive integrated suite of business applications that help companies, institutions, and other organizations run their business better.

SAP Business suite consists of

v  SAP ERP

v  SAP Industry Suite

v  SAP Net weaver

SAP ERP is an application within SAP Business Suite. All the applications from the SAP Business Suite are powered by SAP Net weaver

2)    What does SAP GRC stands for?

Answer: GRC stands for Governance, Risk and Compliance

3)    What is SAP’s Release and Maintenance Strategy?

Answer: As of now, SAP follows 2 release and maintenance strategies. They are
             I) 5-1-2 release and maintenance strategy and
             ii) 7-2 release and maintenance strategy

 5-1-2 release and maintenance strategy is introduced in 2004. It means for duration of 5 years, SAP does a mainstream maintenance for a software release. Thereafter, extended maintenance is available for 1 year at an additional fee of 2%. Thereafter, extended maintenance is available for 2 years at an additional fee of 4%. Thereafter customer specific maintenance will be offered case to case basis. 

It applies to core applications based on SAP Netweaver 2004 and higher, as well for addons.

§  SAP NetWeaver 2004 and add-ons

§  SAP ERP 2004 and add-ons

§  SAP CRM 2005, SAP CRM 2007 and add-ons

§  SAP SCM 2004, SAP SCM 2005, SAP SCM 2007 and add-ons

§  SAP SRM 2004, SAP SRM 2005, SAP SRM 2007 and add-ons

7-2 maintenance strategy was introduced in 2008. It applies to new releases of core applications of SAP Business Suite as of November 2008, as well as add-ons and enhancement packages.

§  SAP ERP 6.0 and add-ons

§  SAP NetWeaver 7.0 and add-ons

§  SAP CRM 7.0 and add-ons

§  SAP SCM 7.0 and add-ons

§  SAP SRM 7.0 and add-ons

4)    How does connectivity between SAP Net weaver AS ABAP and SAP Net weaver AS Java will happen?

Answer: Connectivity between SAP Net weaver AS ABAP and SAP Net weaver AS Java will happen via SAP Java Connector (SAP JCo)

5)    What are Usage Types in SAP? Name some of the usage types in SAP?

Answer:  Usage types determine the intended purpose of an SAP system. They are structuring element for SAP software on a technical level. Usage types are realized by installing and configuring a collection of software components. Some usage types also require other usage types in the SAP system to operate.

Please find below the usage types present in SAP

ü  Application server ABAP (AS ABAP)

ü  Application server Java (AS Java)

ü  Enterprise Portal Core (EPC)

ü  Enterprise Portal (EP)

ü  Business Intelligence (BI)

ü  Business Intelligence Java components (BI Java)

ü  Development Infrastructure (DI)

ü  Mobile Infrastructure (MI)

ü  Process Integration (PI)

Read More

[White Paper] Six Biggest Challenges Retailers Face Today

The Six Biggest Challenges Retailers Face Today is One Step Retail Solutions most popular white paper made available as a free download.

This comprehensive white paper covers hot topics (including but not limited to) the current retail environment, overcoming challenges related to achieving growth and where to start... strategy, execution and resources.

We are hoping that you will avail yourself of the key information found in this popular white paper.

Free Download

Read More

Happy Memorial Day

We wanted to take a moment to wish you a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend! Retailers, do you have any activities, fun outings or promotions running this weekend?

Read More

How to restart java stack from abap stack in sap?

This article answers following queries :

ü  Can we restart java stack from abap stack in sap ?

ü  How to restart java stack from abap stack in sap?

ü  What is the transaction code used to restart java stack in sap ?

ü  How to restart the java stack of an sap netweaver add in installation ?

ü  How to restart java stack in an ABAP + Java stack system ?

ü  How to restart all java instances of an SAP system from ABAP stack ?

ü  How to bring down java stack of an application server from abap level ?

ü  How to bring down entire java cluster of an SAP system from ABAP stack ?

ü  What is the difference between soft shutdown and hard shut down of java stack in SMICM ?

ü  What are the different ways of restarting java stack of an SAP system?

ü  Which java shutdown / restart method should be used in cases of emergency in SAP ?


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes. Java stack can be restarted from abap stack in sap.

SMICM is the transaction code used to restart the java stack in an ABAP + Java stack system.

Login to abap stack of an SAP system and  choose transaction SMICM and navigate to  

Administration -> AS Java -> Instance (Local) -> Send soft shutdown -> with restart

Please find below screenshot :

Please note, if restart is not required and if you want to only bring down the java stack then choose without restart option in the above SMICM screen.

Administration -> AS Java -> Instance (Local) -> Send soft shutdown -> without restart

Please note in the above method, we can only restart or bring down local java stack of an instance. If you would like to restart entire java cluster of an sap system (ie. Global), in SMICM transaction, navigate to

Administration -> AS Java -> Cluster (Global) -> Send soft shutdown -> with restart

Please find  below screenshot for the same

If you would like to just bring down entire java cluster of an SAP system, then navigate as below in SMICM transaction

Administration -> AS Java -> Cluster (Global) -> Send soft shutdown -> without restart

Also there are 2 methods in restart or bringing down the java stack.

 They are

1)Send Soft shutdown : In this method, the abap dispatcher sends a SIGQUIT message to the jstart process. The AS java will be terminated with a soft shutdown.  It means, the abap dispatcher will not actively close the connection. It will wait and  finish the processing of all the running requests and then shuts down.

2)Send Hard shutdown : In this method, the abap dispatcher sends a SIGINT message to the jstart process. The AS java will be terminated with a hard shutdown. It means, java processes will get some time to close. If that time is not sufficient, they are closed with a hard shut down.

The main difference between soft shut down and hard shut down is the hard shut down will happen quickly  within  few minutes where as the soft shut down will happen only after completing the processing of all running requests.

Ending the process (with or without a restart) :

We can also bring down or restart java by using the option “End process” in SMICM.

The abap dispatcher sets the restart flag for AS java and sends the SIGKILL signal to the jstart process. This terminates the jstart and the AS java with a hard shut down.

Please note that this option should be used only in emergency as processes shutdown in this way will no longer be able to reach stable state.

Please navigate as below to do the same for local instance.

      Administration -> AS Java -> Instance (Local) -> End process  -> without restart

     Or

      Administration -> AS Java -> Instance (Local) -> End process  -> with restart

Please navigate as below to bring down or restart java globally for all java clusters.

      Administration -> AS Java -> Cluster (Global) -> End Process  -> without restart

Or

      Administration -> AS Java -> Cluster (Global) -> End Process  -> with restart

Read More

TSC introduces rugged, economically priced Alpha-3R portable receipt printer

TSC has introduced a new three-inch-wide-format portable receipt printer – the Alpha-3R – which is not only compact, lightweight and durable, but also extremely affordable. The Alpha-3R is the first in a new family of economical, feature-rich portable printers that will be available worldwide in the third quarter of 2012.

The Alpha-3R receipt printer draws on TSC’s 20 years of experience designing durable, economically priced label printers. It features a fast print speed of up to 4 ips, a lightweight, ergonomic design, and is compatible with any application requiring mobile on-demand receipt printing. With its IP54-rated environmental case, the Alpha-3R offers standard protection against dust and water. It also is protected by a rugged rubber over-mold case designed to keep the unit working normally even after a 5-foot drop. With the largest battery and paper-roll capacity of its class, the Alpha-3R will deliver the most productive and efficient service over a full day’s duty cycle. In addition, a media adjustment knob allows operators to quickly set the unit to handle different media widths.
The Alpha-3R prints on direct thermal receipt paper up to 3.15 inches (80 mm) wide, with a print area up to 2.83 inches wide (72 mm). The printer is ideally suited for numerous mobile field applications, including direct store delivery (DSD) route accounting, field service, traffic ticketing, and restaurant and kiosk point-of-sale systems, and also is compatible with a wide variety of other mobile devices.

Superior connectivity, ease of use
The Alpha-3R supports USB, optional serial, 802.11 b/g/n wireless and Bluetooth® interfaces, which enables it to easily communicate with a mobile computer or even a smart phone. Suspended from a convenient neck strap, the Alpha-3R can be worn and used comfortably for a full shift, while freeing the operator to perform other tasks.

‘Out of the box’ language-emulation support
Alpha-3R printers support the most popular mobile printer programming languages, "right out of the box," including CPCL, Eltron® and Zebra® languages, making it easy for users to develop a wide variety of printing applications.

Great warranty
Like all TSC printers, the Alpha-3R is backed by an industry-best two-year limited warranty. After the unit is programmed and enters the field, TSC provides worry-free support.

Applications
The compact, easy-to-operate Alpha-3R is designed to support a host of business applications, including: •Direct store deliveries (DSD)
•Field repair/installation
•Mobile point of sale

•Parking citations

•Mobile ticketing

•Onboard transportation ticketing

•Utility billing/meter reading

Features

•TSC designed and manufactured
•Double-wall plastic construction with rubber over-mold case designed to withstand a 5-foot drop
•IP54-rated environmental case offering maximum dust and water resistance
•Three buttons for on/off, feed and cover open
•High-capacity 2500 mAh rechargeable Li-ion batteries
•USB interface (standard) •Bluetooth®, 802.11b/g/n or serial compatibility (optional)
•High-visibility buttons and indicators
•Simple paper installation

Read More

Barcodes and Beer, Hurray!

Tim Nudd at AdFreak has a great piece about Guinness beer's latest QR code shenanigans: a QR that only appears when your glass is full of the brewed brown goodness.






Fiendishly clever!

Read More

Get Your POS in the Cloud

Many retailers are planning for a future upgrade of their retail point of sale. For many, this will mean a hardware upgrade and for others a full system upgrade will take place.


Exciting resources now available to retailers are mobile and cloud based point of sale. While this is an increasingly popular and an exciting advance, what does this make possible for the average retailer?

Mobile POS offers several benefits to retailers: Free up your staff to move about and interact freely with customers, eco-friendly and cost effective paperless receipts, expedite checkout, swift look-up of available stock and much more.

Cloud POS brings in a whole new level of remote management, centralizing and increasing the security of your system. No more worrying about scheduled backups!

We are proud to offer this one of a kind system, Teamwork Retail, a state of the art cloud based COMPLETE point of sale system.

Request a Demo

Teamwork Retail Screen Shot

Read More

One Step Brings Mobile POS To Your Fingertips

With technology and functionality improving in all areas of life, retail technology is following suit and will be advancing wildly over the coming few years. Hardware is moving in the direction of mobile and true to form, OneStep Retail Solutions offers 4 top of the line options for those retailers looking to go mobile.

Each retailer is different and it is important that they have a technology solution that fits their unique needs and vision. We take a consultative approach to retail technology and help retailers find the best system for now and into the future.

CounterPointMobile

Teamwork Retail
Retail Pro
Lightspeed

If you would like to set up a free retail technology consultation, let me know: Email or call 818.543.4777 ext 4116

Read More

Cloud-Based Barcode Generation in Google Docs

by Nate Schubert

Google Docs has quickly become one of the most useful free cloud-based services available today. Individuals and businesses alike utilize sharing capabilities between various user accounts, or share a common account to stay up-to-date on real-time changes as they occur. This can help to improve response time in a crisis, or just help streamline projects that involve input from a variety of people. As Google Docs continues to build its' user base, and as users find more and more reasons to take advantage of the cloud-based service, the need to generate barcodes is also growing.

The Native Barcode Generator for Google Docs is a special component that adds dynamic barcode capability to Google Docs without installing special fonts, DLLs or Plug-Ins. This technology enables users to easily share spreadsheets and documents with embedded barcode objects that all users can view and print. Complete Google Script source code is provided with the purchase for full customization. Generating barcodes with the Native Barcode Generator for Google Docs is easy, as the video tutorial below demonstrates:

Priced affordably from $295.00 depending on license, this special IDAutomation component can greatly increase the power behind any Google Docs spreadsheet or other type of document. A free demo download is available here, and our technical support staff is happy to assist with any and all pre-sales issues that may arise.

Read More

Some Etsy Success Points Retailers Should Know About

Etsy has created an impressively productive eCommerce site, I would like to take a few moments to highlight some of the things they are doing tremendously right. Hopefully retailers (both brick and mortar and online) can learn from what Etsy is doing right.

Founded in 2005 Etsy has expanded from nothing to 12 million+ buyer accounts. Think Amazon meets your Grandma’s keepsakes +  your friends awesome homemade projects. Etsy’s rise has relied upon word of mouth and smart marketing.

Things they do right:

1)      They have product features on their home page, following a theme of the day (colors, textures, patterns, styles).

2)      They have weekly Etsy Marketing tips that go out to assist their sellers and create a value add to their website.

3)      Features - Etsy runs features on shop owners. They tell their story and highlight how they make their products. This could translate to featuring a brand of clothing, designer or current trend.

4)      Their whole site is picture heavy, each product has multiple pictures representing them from different angles. When you first open the page you see picture after picture all organized in a systematic way. They have daily emails that go out to subscribers featuring new hot products.

5)      Their system for organizing their items goes wide. They have a category for “geekery” and “toys”. One could literally spend hours pursuing their site and all the possibilities.

6)      They have had a blog that gets consistently updated by guest writers since 2005. In the beginning the posts were less frequent, now they commonly have 2 or 3 posts a day. All interesting to and useful to their followers.

7)      Each member’s information is automatically stored and used for Etsy’s own continued marketing. Made possible by a hefty CRM on their end.

Take aways:

1)      Create a value add wherever possible. Make it so that your services go beyond the obvious.

2)      Be inspiring.

3)      Make it possible for your shoppers to see your merchandise from anywhere. Or at least get a taste for your aesthetic and want to find out more. (If you do not have an ecommerce site, create a blog, apps, etc)

4)      Update your clients and interact with them in more ways than just in store (email, social media, events, blogs, etc).

5)      Have fun and don’t shy away from being creative or pushing the envelope.

6)      Retain your client’s information and likes, ensure you have a proper system to go about doing this. Think of creative ways to get them to follow/like you on your social sites.

This information was made available by the marketing team at One Step Retail Solutions, leading retail technology consultancy company. If you need help finding a system with customer relationship management capabilities, mobile POS, full inventory tracking and more contact Amy to set up a free consultation or call 818-543-4777 ext 4116

Home Page

Etsy Blog

Featured Sellers

Sample Treasury List

Read More

Proof That Pinterest Drives Sales by FastCompany.com

Please read the full review for more information - Proof That Pinterest Drives Sales

Very interesting news to me is "Pinterest pins with pricing get 36% more likes than those without", make sense. Look through these informative graphics and check out the full article from Fast Company (link above).

Happy Pinning!
Check Out: Our Pinterest Account
One Step Retail Solutions

Read More

Feature: Dan Jablons of Retail Smart Guys

We are proud to introduce you to Dan Jablons, President of Retail Smart Guys. Retail Smart Guys focuses on Open To Buy and Retail Consulting and recently won first place in the Management One sales category.  Dan is based out of California and working with retailers nationwide. www.retailsmartguys.com

What is your favorite thing about working with retailers? Helping them generate more cash flow by showing them how to properly buy inventory.

What would you say is the most helpful thing about your product or services for a retailer?  It helps them to understand the exact relationship between their inventory investment and what ends up in their checking account.

If you could offer any advice to retailers out there, what would you say?  The best marketing for a retail store is having the right merchandise.  Ensure that you have planned out what you are receiving, and make sure that matches your sales forecast.  You also need to revisit your vendor mix and assortment plan at the start of every season.

If you were a retailer, what do you think your favorite part of your day would be?  Opening the store.

If you were a retailer, what do you think your least favorite part of the day would be?  Physical inventory

Do you have any hobbies?  I am an actor as well as a consultant

How did you get into the industry and the focus on retail?  My dad got me my first job in retail when I was 17.  Have either serviced or participated in retail ever since.

In you could live anywhere in the world, where would you and why?  I already live in Southern California, which I think is paradise.  Really, I do!

Do you have any retail design favorites?  Too many to mention

What do you think are retailers worst habits?  Not analyzing the statistics in their business

What do you think are retailers best habits?  Working on strengthening customer relationships

Retail Smart Guys is part of One Step Retail Solution's Retail Professional Association. For more information on our association resources go to http://onestepretail.com/retail/recommended/ 

Read More